2. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have won six in a row and have a net rating of plus-14.6 over that stretch, which includes wins over the Warriors, Kings, Heat and Lakers.
Nikola Jokic has done enough to put himself on the top of most MVP rankings, averaging 25, 14 and 12 on 62% shooting during Denver’s win streak. He is undoubtedly the best player in the league, but these last couple of weeks have proved as a reminder.
The Heat on Thursday played the Nuggets close in their Finals rematch. Nuggets fans will be quick to remind you that they were on the second night of a back-to-back and lost Jamal Murray in the second quarter of the game. Those are certainly factors, but let’s not forget that the Heat were missing key players (Tyler Herro, Josh Richardson, Kevin Love) and were playing their third game in four nights on the road at elevation.
Adebayo defended Jokic well and Butler had his moments, but the Nuggets just have so many weapons. Even with Adebay0 slowing Jokic and Murray limited to just 14 minutes, Michael Porter Jr. erupted for 30 points that swung the game.